Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Grab Indonesia has responded to demands from online ride-hailing (ojol) drivers who staged a mass protest at the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) office on Monday (February 17). The online ride-hailing (ojol) drivers demand the government to address several issues, including their right to receive holiday bonuses (THR).
Tirza Munusamy, Chief of Public Affairs at Grab Indonesia, stated that the company is coordinating with stakeholders and providing necessary information for discussions on the possibility of granting THR to driver-partners.
“Grab understands that Eid al-Fitr is a significant moment for most Indonesians, including our driver-partners,” Tirza said on Tuesday (February 18) as reported by Kontan.co.id. “We also appreciate the government’s attention and consideration regarding the discourse on providing a Holiday Assistance Bonus (BHR) for driver-partners.”
Grab Indonesia expressed hope that the government would formulate a balanced policy that takes into account the long-term impact on the industry, the informal economy, and Indonesia’s overall economic growth.
The company claimed to have implemented several programs to ensure the well-being of its driver-partners, though none are specifically related to THR.
Some of Grab Indonesia’s initiatives include:
- Grab Benefit: Providing essential goods packages, vehicle maintenance discount vouchers, and insurance protection.
- Compassionate Fund: Financial aid for driver-partners’ families facing hardships.
- GrabScholar: A scholarship program for the children of driver-partners, covering elementary to university education.
- Incentive & Bonus Schemes: Opportunities for drivers to increase their earnings, particularly during major holidays.
- Entrepreneurial and Skills Development: Online and offline training programs for driver-partners to enhance their skill sets.
- BPJS Employment Collaboration: Facilitating social security registration for driver-partners.
Despite that, Grab Indonesia committed to address this issue properly while coordinating with the stakeholders to discuss the necessary approach to provide holiday bonuses for ride-hailing (ojol) drivers.
Government Response
On Monday (February 17), dozens of online ride-hailing (ojol) drivers staged a protest at the Ministry of Manpower (Kemnaker) office, demanding improved welfare for online drivers, including motorcycle taxis (ojol), online taxis (taksol), and couriers.
One of the main demands was the assurance of a holiday bonus (THR) from ride-hailing platforms. The protesters called on the Ministry of Manpower to ensure that these companies provide THR to their drivers.
Minister of Manpower Yassierli, accompanied by Deputy Minister Immanuel Ebenezer, met with the demonstrators at the Ministry office. The Ministry states that they would establish clear regulations on THR for online drivers, engaging in discussions with platform providers such as Gojek, Grab, and Maxim to reach a resolution.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating quality jobs, as outlined in the third point of President Asta Cita’s program. He emphasized that one of the key steps toward achieving this goal is ensuring that all workers receive social security, fair wages, and decent welfare.
Yassierli noted that online drivers’ welfare has been a priority since he took office. The ministry has conducted various studies, including discussions with experts and the International Labour Organization (ILO), to assess how other countries regulate digital platform workers.
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The minister stressed the importance of regulatory certainty for online drivers, ensuring that their welfare is not solely dependent on THR but also includes broader protections and rights. However, the ministry has yet to determine an exact amount for the THR.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Immanuel Ebenezer issued a warning to platform operators, insisting that THR payments be made in cash rather than in the form of rice, sugar, or other basic goods.
The Indonesian government’s response to the demands for holiday bonuses underscores the commitment over raid-hailing drivers rights and well-fare. As discussions between regulators, platform companies, and driver representatives continue, the outcome could set a precedent for the treatment of ride-hailing and delivery workers in the country.
(Raidi/Agung)
